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The NBA Draft is about to happen! Can you feel the excitement? Are you unable to focus on work because you can’t stop reading every mock draft that you can find? Well, fear not: You don’t have to go back to work any time soon because we’ve got a full, two-round mock draft, complete with blurbs about every pick. That’s right, all 60 picks get some real consideration here. This isn’t James Joyce’s mock draft, though that would give me a chance to tell a Finnegan’s Wake joke about the Knicks.
RELATED: The 2015 NBA Lottery Mock Draft: Jahlil Okafor Or Karl-Anthony Towns At No. 1?
Obviously, once you get past pick number 20 or so (and that’s being generous), the whole thing becomes a complete crapshoot. Scouting reports can vary wildly from team to team once you get deep into the first round and into the second. In the second round, picks will be traded, and traded again, and teams don’t really draft for need that deep anyway because, if they’re filling needs in the second round, they’re in dire straits (or they’re the Sixers. The Knicks don’t even HAVE a second round pick this year… yet). We’re talking lottery tickets or end-of-bench reserves. Then again, Isaiah Thomas was picked No. 60 in 2011, and Chandler Parsons was a second-round pick that year, so there are plenty of talented guys left after 30 names have been called by Adam Silver.
But still, that doesn’t prevent you from keeping score on draft night to see what your team is doing, and whether this exercise was helpful. Let’s get to it!
Round 1
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1. Minnesota Timberwolves — C Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky
As much as we’d love for Flip Saunders to blow everyone’s minds, this has become as sure of a first overall pick as any since Anthony Davis. Towns combines limitless long-term potential with immediate defensive impact. He, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio could make the ‘Wolves a League Pass favorite next year.
2. Los Angeles Lakers — C Jahlil Okafor, Duke
The DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors are probably too good to be true, but even if the Lakers do trade this pick, it will likely be to a team with designs on taking Okafor. LeBron James just proved you can run a post-centric offense and win in the NBA today (even if he only proved you can do it with LeBron), but the bar for efficiency down there has been raised. Okafor could very well be good enough to clear that bar.
His defense remains a concern, but if he can be paired with an elite defensive power forward, it might not be that big of a problem. Is Julius Randle that guy? Probably not. Either way, it will put a lot of talent out on the floor for Los Angeles, which is not something they could say last year.
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3. Philadelphia 76ers — PG/SG D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State
The surge of rumors that Kristaps Porzingis would rise all the way to this pick were cute and all, but this feels like an obvious pick. He’s nearly as big and long as Michael Carter-Williams, with far more gifts offensively. Even if Joel Embiid misses all of next season, Nerlens Noel’s emergence in the second half of last season represents a real step forward for this franchise. Russell has the handles, the vision and the shooting to be a deadly pick-and-roll ball-handler, and Noel has the athleticism to finish lobs at the rim.
Sam Hinkie may worship at the altar of upside (which is what gave credence to the Porzingis rumors), but Russell is still just 19. As polished as he looks now, he will grow even more into his body and should refine his skills further. Once Russell’s name gets called, he’s going to make Hinkie’s rebuilding project look a lot better, at least on paper.
4. New York Knicks — PF/C Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia
I’m calling this a trade. The Knicks may or may not want Frank Kaminsky, but if Russell comes off the board third, Porzingis has probably built enough hype to make some team (George? Vivek? How’s it hanging?) desperate to grab him. The Knicks may be so terrified of the backlash picking fourth could cause (literally with any pick if Okafor doesn’t drop) that they just want to move down so someone makes their decision for them. If they keep the pick, Porzingis is still decently likely (though they might zag and pick Emmanuel Mudiay).
Porzingis clearly has all the talent in the world. A true seven-footer with real three-point range and rumors of actual defensive skill is an intoxicating combination, especially with the prevailing trends in the NBA. But we’ve seen this before with international prospects. As sure of a thing as one of them may look, I’ll always be wary until I see it on an NBA court. Maybe I’m a jingoist, but I can’t stop the wind from whispering “Bargnani…” Make no mistake, Porzingis is an exciting talent, and I’m rooting for him like hell, but a foreign prospect building up hype this late in the process (even though DraftExpress has been all over Porzingis for a while) gives me pause.
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5. Orlando Magic — SF Stanley Johnson, Arizona
What’s the one thing Orlando has taught us about their preferences in drafts over the past few years with Aaron Gordon, Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton? Beyond the fact that there’s an “a” and an “o” in every one of their picks’ names (sorry, Justise Winslow), they were all raw athletes with elite defensive potential. While Johnson has shown more of a scoring touch than Gordon or Payton, he’s got the strength and wingspan to defend bigger players, and the quickness to defend smaller players.
Of course Winslow would also make tons of sense here, as he has nearly all of Johnson’s defensive tools and trades very good finishing ability for Johnson’s shooting. But Winslow rose up boards late, thanks to his play in the NCAA Tournament, while Johnson didn’t, which in my (entirely uneducated) opinion affects mock drafters more than it does front offices. None of the skills Johnson displayed before the tournament have vanished, and no one would be shocked if Johnson came off the board here.
6. Sacramento Kings — SG/SF Mario Hezonja, Croatia
Of all the total guesses of this mock, this is the most total of guesses, because who the hell knows what’s going on in Sacramento. I’m honestly disappointed I haven’t seen any George Karl/Sand Snakes Game of Thrones memes yet, but if the Kings keep this pick, I can see Vlade Divac picking Hezonja because he’s seen more of the Croatian than he has of American players. That fits with the craziness going on out there.
Then again, if DeMarcus Cousins is really on his way out of town (still not a sure thing), the pick has to be a big man, right? If the Kings don’t trade up for Porzingis (which, if I’m not mistaken, would have to happen after the draft because of the Knicks’ pick-trading restrictions), but still want to get rid of Boogie, Willie Cauley-Stein could be the successor. The best part? George Karl may try to trade either Trill or Hezonja within two years. Kings!
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7. Denver Nuggets — SF Justise Winslow, Duke
The Nuggets have been trying to trade Ty Lawson for a while, but especially as we approach Draft night, but I’m inclined to believe it won’t ever happen. Sure, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler are still around, but both of their contracts expire after next season, and this isn’t a one-year rental draft. Winslow’s got the motor to run opponents ragged in the thin air, he’s a better perimeter defender than the Nuggets have had in years, and if Jusuf Nurkic continues to develop the way Denver hopes, then he can combine with Winslow to compensate for Kenneth Faried being too tiny to guard power forwards. The NBA now demands positional versatility, and Winslow would help any team in that regard.
If Lawson truly is on his way out the door, then Emmanuel Mudiay is a likely choice, but Cameron Payne has shot up draft boards recently (which, again, should raise eyebrows), and maybe he’s shot up this far for Denver. But if Winslow makes it to the eighth pick, many will be wondering what happened.
8. Detroit Pistons — PF Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin
My best guess at where the Knicks might trade down if they’re going after Frank the Tank. Even so, with coach/GM Stan Van Gundy all but kissing Greg Monroe goodbye, an Ersan Ilyasova/Andre Drummond front line could use some help. Drummond’s a monster in the middle with perhaps negative range, so an all-over-the-court scorer like Kaminsky would be a dream combination. And Drummond’s elite rim-protection (if he could just get his rotations down) would cover up for a lot of Kaminsky’s shortcomings on that end.
If Detroit is going best available, Mudiay’s the pick, but with Brandon Jennings on his way back from injury and Reggie Jackson still around, Mudiay’s a bad fit. If he’s picked eighth, he won’t be a Piston long enough to break in his snapback.
9. Charlotte Hornets — SG Devin Booker, Kentucky
Maybe the biggest no-brainer outside of the top two picks. Charlotte needs shooting in the worst way, and Booker can be lights-out. They traded away Lance Stephenson (probably because MJ was about ready to fight him), all but clearing a path for Booker.
In a lot of ways, Devin resembles a quicker JJ Redick; not a lot of physical tools on defense, but the intelligence to play within a team defensive concept without being the obvious weak link. Redick impressed in the playoffs with his ability to fight through screens to stay in front of James Harden, but he’s 30, and Booker shouldn’t take that long to get to that place. The Hornets have prided themselves on defense the past few years, and though Booker definitely represents a downgrade from Lance on that end — he’s never going to be able to guard bigger small forwards — he should give just enough to justify staying on the court for his offense.
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10. Miami Heat — PG Emmanuel Mudiay, Congo
It looks like Goran Dragic will be in Miami for a while, and even if Dwyane Wade finds his way back, Mudiay is versatile enough to play with either of them, and that would be a killer three-guard rotation. Pat Riley will be doing backflips if Mudiay lasts this long (and honestly, I’d be surprised if it happens, but clearly not too surprised), but if one player’s going to slide way past where people think, my money’s on Mudiay.
If Wade is done in Miami, the Heat would be able to recreate a version of the deadly Dragic-Bledsoe combination that nearly got Phoenix to the playoffs in 2014 with Mudiay. Considering Wade was already a combo guard, it wouldn’t be that big of a stretch for Eric Spoelstra to integrate Emmanuel. Of course, a pick of a big like Cauley-Stein, Myles Turner or Trey Lyle (or Kaminsky, if he’s still around) would also make a ton of sense, considering Hassan Whiteside is still perhaps the wildest of cards.
11. Indiana Pacers — C Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky
If Roy Hibbert is either benched or traded next season, someone needs to fill the middle of the paint for Indiana, and as frantically as Ian Mahinmi might be waving his hand right now, another starting center is not on the roster. But he could be waiting at number 11, unless someone trades up to snatch him in the back half of the top 10.
As the NCAA Tournament wound down, Cauley-Stein was thought to be a borderline top-five pick, but some scuttlebutt about the screw in his ankle drove him down here. In between the college season and the draft, very little information can be fully trusted, but I’m falling in step with the others on this because the article linked above uses some very legitimate-sounding medical jargon, and my ignorance breeds fear.
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12. Utah Jazz — PF Trey Lyles, Kentucky
This makes too much sense. With Rudy Gobert firmly entrenched as the center (and for good reason, he’s like an unholy giraffe-octopus hybrid — giraftopus? Come back to me on that one — in the paint), Lyles is a perfect power forward to complement him. He spent tons of time playing as a grossly oversized wing for Kentucky, and it forced him to develop his game away from the basket. His mid-range game is okay, with lots of room for plausible improvement, and he’s a skilled cutter and passer. He would form one hell of a big man rotation with Gobert and Favors, the latter of which he could play with in smaller lineups.
Myles Turner also makes sense here since he’s established his long-range credentials, but Turner has said that he wants to be a low-post player, and he may physically profile as a better center. Lyles is quicker and better in transition, and he’s a potentially elite offensive rebounder for someone who plays farther out. Think Tristan Thompson, only he gives up some of the rebounding for a much better offensive game.
13. Phoenix Suns — PF/C Myles Turner, Texas
Among all the weirdness that happened in Phoenix this past season involving their point guards, another reason they took a step back was the absence of Channing Frye as the screener in pick-and-pop plays. Markieff Morris is legit, but a small enough (meaning quick enough) player can guard him and allow switching. Turner has the range (though not quite as deep as Frye’s) to combine with Alex Len, and the size to play the 5 with Morris out there, and would be a deadly pick-and-pop option regardless, especially considering he has the size and strength to also roll for a dunk.
Turner and Phoenix would be a perfect match, except for one problem: he doesn’t run the floor very well, meaning he’s lacking in a skill that’s been synonymous with Phoenix since the days of Nash, D’Antoni and seven-seconds-or-less. He’s also lacking in core strength, which leads to him getting pushed around on the block. One of those things will have to change as he gets older (and he’s very young) — he’s got to get faster, stronger or both. If the Suns don’t think his range is worth it, they could go any number of ways — maybe Bobby Portis, or Kelly Oubre.
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14. Oklahoma City Thunder — PG Cameron Payne, Murray State
Another borderline-consensus pick, although once again, if the late hype is misdirection, I wouldn’t be surprised (and I’d also say Jerian Grant goes here). I’m more willing to believe the Payne love (no BDSM jokes here, uh-uh, no thank you) because his game tape holds up to the glowing workout praise. He has the potential to be a complete point guard, and he’s already got perhaps the toughest part — court vision and feel — down. He reminds me a bit of Mike Conley in that he’s got the ability to score and pass but seems to prefer passing and really enjoys getting his teammates involved. Like Conley (or at least young Conley), he’s great at floaters to make up for being mediocre at the rim.
He has the potential to be as good of a defender as Conley for an average-sized point guard (he’s 6-foot-2), thanks to his 6-foot-7 wingspan and good instincts, but he’s also very skinny as of now. He’s got a funky shooting motion as well, but hey, he hits them at a decent rate. I wouldn’t expect him to come in as much more than an average shooter, but he could easily grow into a very good one.
15. Atlanta Hawks — SF Sam Dekker, Wisconsin
DeMarre Carroll is probably gone, and neither Kent Bazemore nor Mike Scott are starting small forwards. Mike Budenholzer (the new model; now with more decision-making!) needs someone who can handle the ball, shoot, pass, cut off the ball, and defend multiple positions. Of course, every team in the NBA wants someone like that, and Dekker doesn’t do all of them well. Right now, he can handle okay, shoot well in spurts, pass occasionally, cut off the ball very well, and defend multiple positions competently. For a team just looking for a role player to sustain the success of last year, Dekker’s good enough.
The shot is what should be truly interesting. Like it or not, when most people see a white small forward tagged as a first-round draft pick, they think, “Oh, he’s a shooter, right?” Not with Dekker, although he burst into flames in the NCAA Tournament, when most NBA fans saw him for the first time. That would leave them with, shall we say, unreasonable expectations. Still, Dekker’s jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none game should fit well in Atlanta’s Spurs East system.
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16. Boston Celtics — SF Kelly Oubre, Kansas
This is the pick, primarily because the Celtics play in Kelly green, and damned if they’re going to let another team have another player named Kelly, not when they’ve already got Olynyk. (Sit down, Ryan Kelly, you don’t count.) For real though, since the Celtics won’t find a rim protector here, their next biggest need comes on the wing, where they need someone bigger than Avery Bradley or Marcus Smart to guard small forwards. Oubre is this close to being a prototypical 3-and-D wing, as he’s got a great foundation in both skills but just needs some incremental improvement in both.
17. Milwaukee Bucks — PF Bobby Portis, Arkansas
This is a really tough one. Sure, they just dealt away Ersan Ilyasova, but don’t forget that Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo are considered the heart of this team’s core, and Portis is much more of a 4 than a 5. And sure, they traded for Michael Carter-Williams last year, but he looks less like a long-term solution the more you see him play. My guess is they give MCW another year and try to figure out how to rotate Portis (who has real skills on both sides of the floor), Giannis and Jabari and continue their ascent as Team Wingspan (Portis’ 7-foot-1 wingspan would fit right in). If they go guard, Jerian Grant, Tyus Jones and Delon Wright are all in play.
18. Houston Rockets — PG Tyus Jones, Duke
The Rockets need a point guard, that much is certain. Their choices pretty much boil down to Jones and Jerian Grant. Grant is the one everyone says is more of a day-one contributor, which is what a Conference Finalist should look for. But Jones can run the fast break and shoot the ball, two qualities the Rockets value very highly, and the Rockets sorely missed a player with the clutch gene (besides James Harden) at times last season. Jones has that gene down to the marrow, and his defensive shortcomings don’t look so bad compared to the Jason Terry-Pablo Prigioni duo they ran out during the playoffs. Plus, if Patrick Beverley is re-signed, there’s your defense.
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19. Washington Wizards — PF Kevon Looney, UCLA
The Wizards could go for a backup point guard here, but Wizards fans are praying they can find someone who can prevent Drew Gooden from logging playoff minutes. Looney has the embryo of a three-point shot, can hold his own pretty well on perimeter switches, and is a capable rebounder. He’s skinny and not particularly explosive, which will probably keep him from starting, but he’d give a lot of the benefits of a small-ball four without giving away the offensive glass. That’s an asset, and fits what Randy Whitman unveiled for the Wizards in the playoffs.
20. Toronto Raptors — SG R.J. Hunter, Georgia State
The Raptors’ need for three-point shooting was as painfully obvious as any playoff team’s last year, as their best wing scorer, DeMar DeRozan, is a midrange-and-in guy. Hunter’s got range, and he’s longer than DeRozan. He’s got a gunner’s quick release and confidence, and the spacing he’ll create with his presence will make DeRozan and Kyle Lowry feel like they can breathe for the first time. Toronto has needs at the 4 as well, but Hunter’s one skill can get him in the lineup quicker than any bigs this late in Round 1.
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21. Dallas Mavericks — PG Jerian Grant, Notre Dame
The Mavs are a complete mystery heading into next season, but everyone knows they need a pick-and-roll ballhandler who can penetrate and shoot, and that’s Grant’s best area. He’s much bigger than Monta Ellis, and so will have to try really hard to be worse on defense. The only worry I have with this pick is that it’s very likely Grant won’t last this long. His age (closer to his 23rd birthday than his 22nd) is a strike against him for many teams ahead of Dallas, though.
22. Chicago Bulls — SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona
If this pick comes to pass, you will be hard-pressed to find a better perimeter defense pairing than Hollis-Jefferson and Jimmy Butler. Rondae profiles a lot like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist; he could be absolutely elite defensively, a set-and-forget stopper, but he’ll also be an adventure on offense. His jumper is broken and he doesn’t have very good handles. But as long as he doesn’t share the floor with Joakim Noah too much, his defense will play in Chicago. Small forward is where the Bulls have the biggest need, and Hollis-Jefferson’s the best one left.
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23. Portland Trail Blazers — SG Rashad Vaughn, UNLV
The Blazers’ offseason revolves around LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews, two free agents with vastly different question marks. Aldridge is still more likely to re-sign than walk, but Matthews is a complete mystery coming off his meniscus tear. Rashad Vaughn has a reputation as a bit of a ball-stopper, but he can shoot the lights out and make plays off the dribble, and his defense could be very good as well (not as good as Matthews, but who is?). Being that there aren’t really any busts this late, his upside is too tantalizing to pass up at a position of need.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers — SG/SF Justin Anderson, Virginia
The Cavs may very well trade this pick (if they can find any takers), but if they keep it, they could use another 3-and-D wing to surround LeBron, preferably one that can actually make a damn three-point shot. Anderson was a 45 percent shooter last season at Virginia, and was the heart of one of the best defenses in the country. His offense is best suited to playing off the ball, which is a requirement to play in Cleveland these days. Of course, once LeBron tweets about who he likes in this draft, then we’ll know who the Cavs will pick.
25. Memphis Grizzlies — PG Delon Wright, Utah
Beno Udrih, we love you, but the Grizz could use an upgrade behind Mike Conley. At this point, Wright’s also the best overall player left on the board (IMHO). The Grizzlies are fully in win-now mode, which means that Wright coming out as a senior could be to his advantage, as he’s better suited to contribute to a veteran team. Beyond that, he’s got great size for the position and plays excellent defense, so he could give Memphis a lot of help exactly where they want it.
26. San Antonio Spurs — PF Jonathan Holmes, Texas
Holmes is a power forward with decent shooting range and enough quickness to defend out on the perimeter. If he was 80 percent more creative with the ball, 60 percent more audacious, and a million percent more French, he could be Boris Diaw (I’m not playing that game with body fat). He’s versatile and unselfish, though, two qualities prized by San Antonio. A backup guard would also be a reasonable pick.
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27. Los Angeles Lakers — SF/PF Jarell Martin, LSU
This is an all-upside pick, as Martin has tons of athleticism and strength, but is unpolished in nearly every facet of the game. If the Lakers arrive at this pick with Jahlil Okafor and Julius Randle on the team, Martin looks like an oversized small forward with the quickness to hang with smaller wings (just not the technique at this point), who can then bully them in the post on the other end. If they find themselves with, oh I don’t know, DeMarcus Cousins, then Martin becomes a smallish 4 to complement the monster inside.
28. Boston Celtics — C Robert Upshaw, Washington
At this point, it has to be said that there’s no way Boston keeps all of their picks. This one looks like a very likely candidate to be traded. That being said, Upshaw is their last, best hope at a serious, NBA-level rim protector in this draft, if he can get his head right. He’s the biggest upside/downside pick in the whole draft, which is why he’ll probably get picked in the second round (so his contract isn’t guaranteed), but Boston needs assets and they don’t have too many roster spots, so this gamble will be worth it for them, because they’re better equipped to deal with getting nothing than most.
29. Brooklyn Nets — PF Montrezl Harrell, Louisville
Doesn’t he just feel like a Brooklyn player? Not a Net, because they don’t have a personality, but he’s going to wear out the cliche of “junkyard dog” when his name is called on draft night. Brook Lopez is the real deal on offense (if he stays healthy), but his lackluster rebounding means he needs help, and Harrell’s crazy 7-foot-4 wingspan and his motor make him a monster on the glass. He’s a perfect fit here, if he makes it this far.
30. Golden State Warriors — PF Cliff Alexander, Kansas
What do you get for the team that has everything? How about an enigmatic project who’s got all the physical tools but hasn’t displayed any of the mental ones? Alexander’s only 6-foot-8, but his skills are more in line with a center (rebounding). Now if only there was a team that likes to use undersized centers…
If Alexander’s going to see any minutes for the Warriors (a long shot in any event), he’s going to need to pass better than he showed in Kansas, and rebound the hell out of the basketball, which he can probably do.
Round 2
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Joseph Young
31. Minnesota Timberwolves — PG Terry Rozier, Louisville
Even though Rozier is 6-foot-2, his length and leaping ability mean he could see some minutes at the 2. Most likely, he’ll be a bench combo guard, and he’s got great instincts around the basket for that. To really be a sixth man, however, his jump shot has to improve.
32. Houston Rockets — C Nikola Milutinov, Serbia
The Rockets will be looking for someone to keep overseas, and Milutinov’s 20 years old and has a lot of mobility and hops for a seven-footer. Houston’s covered at the 5 for now (even at backup; we see you, Clint Capela), so they can be patient with a guy like Milutinov.
33. Boston Celtics — SG/SF Anthony Brown, Stanford
Brown can shoot the lights out, and though he didn’t dominate as a senior the way NBA people like to see, all you need is one true NBA skill to be drafted, and Brown’s got it. He’s no slouch defensively, either.
34. Los Angeles Lakers — PG/SG Joseph Young, Oregon
You know what the Lakers could really use? Another gunner! *ducks thrown objects from Laker fans* But seriously, Young can do two things that Nick Young can’t: hit the three-pointer, and occasionally pass the ball — emphasis on “occasionally.” Young’s never going to give enough defense to be a starter, but his destiny is to be a Jamal Crawford/Isaiah Thomas-style fan-favorite bench scorer, and Swaggy P won’t be around forever, no matter when his contract ends (2018).
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35. Philadelphia 76ers — PF Chris McCullough, Syracuse
Any time I see the words “probably won’t play next year,” I think Philadelphia. It’s the Sam Hinkie Way. McCullough is as raw as a red onion (just trying that one out), and he tore his ACL in January, but he’s tall and he’s athletic, and the fact that he came out this year despite his injury means someone probably told him he’d get picked (which probably means he won’t be there all night).
36. Minnesota Timberwolves — SF Cedi Osman, Macedonia
He’s downright exuberant with the ball in his hands, and an elite passer with high-level court vision. The thing is, he can’t shoot. If you caught many Rockets games this past year, he’s like Kostas Papanikolaou, a guy who can make beautiful basketball happen right up until he bricks the open corner three. Could still be fun though.
37. Philadelphia 76ers — C Guillermo Hernangomez, Spain
No, the 76ers don’t have too many big men! Maybe YOU don’t have enough, huh? Hinkie’s a best-available guy, and he’s also a “stash ’em overseas” guy, both of whic apply to Hernangomez here, who’s just a bully in the post and has another year to get even stronger and polish his post game more against top competition in Spain, where he actually gets minutes. (This pick, or this player, is definitely getting traded at some point.)
38. Detroit Pistons — PF/C Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse
Christmas is the same age as Brandon Knight, who’s about to sign his first free agent contract. For someone who isn’t anyone’s idea of a polished offensive player, that’s not encouraging. Still, he’s a really good shot blocker for his size (6-foot-9) and he’s got great hands inside, which is not something one should take for granted, even in the NBA.
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39. Charlotte Hornets — PG/SG Olivier Hanlan, Boston College
Hanlan got buckets for BC, but he’s a little small to be a straight-up shooting guard in the NBA. That’s why his pick-and-roll ballhandling is an encouraging sign that he could pick up some minutes at point guard. Charlotte could really use some backcourt help, and Hanlan might work well as a Kemba Walker facsimile off the bench.
40. Miami Heat — SG Michael Frazier, Florida
If Frazier had better teammates this past year at Florida, he’d probably be a first round pick. But since his NBA skill is three-point shooting, and his opponents loaded up on him, his percentages didn’t look so good. But the skill’s still there, and Frazier’s got good enough length to at least break even on the defensive end.
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41. Brooklyn Nets — PG Andrew Harrison, Kentucky
He’s a good enough ball-handler and defender to get drafted, and he’s a pretty good three-point shooter, but he is not a good scorer with the ball in his hands. Like, not at all. His best-case scenario is what Shaun Livingston is now: a facilitator who allows for defensive flexibility and keeps the ball moving so that other, better scorers can do their thing. Also, he’s the most likely second-rounder to get booed. Just on general, Kentucky-based principles.
42. Utah Jazz — C Mouhammadou Jaiteh, France
He might get picked higher simply because he’s been a name in scout circles for so long, but he doesn’t have much range offensively and he isn’t a needle-mover in the post either. He’s also not the caliber of rim protector you’d want out of a guy with his offensive limitations, but he’s tall, he’s a good rebounder, and he’s shown good pick-and-roll finishing ability. If he’s willing to stay overseas another year (not a guarantee), the Jazz wouldn’t mind taking him even with Gobert around.
43. Indiana Pacers — SG Pat Connaughton, Notre Dame
He’s a damn good long-range shooter who logged entirely too many minutes as a tiny (6-foot-5) power forward at Notre Dame, but throw him in the post against another shooting guard and he might turn some heads. He’s got above-average strength and good athleticism, but lacks top-end speed or quickness. If he stays in the state of his alma mater, he could carve out a useful role and become a fan favorite in the process.
44. Phoenix Suns — C Arturas Gudaitis, Lithuania
He’s already 22, so he may be ready to come over this season, and if you’ve been paying attention, you might have noticed that’s not necessarily a good thing. The dude absolutely loves to bang in the paint, and even though he’s 6-foot-10, he’s long and he can jump, so he’s a good shot blocker and finisher. That plus his foul-happy ways reminds me of a smaller Jusuf Nurkic, who endeared himself to many NBA geeks as a swagged-out bully last season.
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45. Boston Celtics — PF Richaun Holmes, Bowling Green
Holmes was excellent at cleaning the defensive glass and blocking shots against mediocre college competition, but his measurables support the tape. Dude can get up there, and he’s strong too. He’s got the beginnings of an all-around offensive game for a power forward (if you include his embryo of an outside shot), but as a senior, his ceiling is, fairly or unfairly, not viewed to be as high as comparable players. But if he keeps improving, he could be a steal.
46. Milwaukee Bucks — C Dakari Johnson, Kentucky
Larry Sanders isn’t coming back anytime soon, and John Henson isn’t anyone’s idea of a sure thing at center. Johnson had pedigree going into college, but he just doesn’t have top-flite athleticism to make him stand out on offense or defense. Still, he’s got a big body and a lot of energy on the glass. If he can use energy and intelligence to overcome his physical shortcomings, he’s got a chance in the NBA.
47. Philadelphia 76ers — PF Vince Hunter, UTEP
If this guy makes it onto an NBA floor, get ready for some thunderous dunks. At 6-foot-8, Hunter’s tiny for his offensive skill set, which is “all dunks, all the time.” He’s got no jumper to speak of. He might not have been drafted two years ago, but he’s got the quickness to guard perimeter players and the strength to guard some power forwards, and that flexibility is sexy now. He couldn’t have picked a better year to declare.
48. Oklahoma City Thunder — PF Jordan Mickey, LSU
He’s not that tall, but he’s quick and long. He can cover a lot of ground, so he could be very useful defensively. Offensively, there’s not much there as of yet, besides a pretty good mid-range shot. In order to crack an NBA rotation, he’s got to find some way of scoring closer to the basket.
49. Washington Wizards — SG J.P. Tokoto, UNC
If he can find his way onto an NBA roster, Tokoto is a dark horse for the Dunk Contest. He’s the kind of guy who looks like he should make a sound like “sproing!” every time he unfolds his body in the air. With his kind of length and athleticism, he could be a good defender, but he has to improve mentally on that end. And of course, he can’t shoot a lick. There’s a reason why he fell this far.
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50. Atlanta Hawks — PG Quinn Cook, Duke
He’s a good shooter who’s reliable on the ball and defends better than his physical profile would suggest, but still average at best. The Hawks need shooting from their backcourt, but if Cook gets drafted it might just be because someone liked his leadership at Duke.
51. Orlando Magic — PF Larry Nance, Jr., Wyoming
If you look right, Larry Nance is incredible: Great size, great dunker, decent shooter, won Defensive Player of the Year in his college conference, great personal story of beating physical adversity (Crohn’s Disease). But look another, and there’s nothing there: not really effective on defense unless guarding a driver (in which case, very effective), not a good screener and not much of a post game. At this point, he’s worth a shot to see if he can fix some of what’s broken — or make a leap with his jumper.
52. Dallas Mavericks — SG Norman Powell, UCLA
Like Tokoto, Powell’s got tons of athleticism and makes his game tape a highlight reel. Powell’s shorter than Tokoto to the point of being undersized at 6-foot-4, but his jump shot’s farther along. It’s not there yet, but it’s not a complete train wreck.
53. Cleveland Cavaliers — SG Tyler Harvey, Eastern Washington
Bet you didn’t know Harvey led Division I in scoring last season. He’s got fantastic range, efficiency with his jumper and quickness. Though Harvey’s 6-foot-4 like Powell, his shot could get him on the floor quicker — and his abysmal defense (with his below-average 6-foot-5 wingspan and a total lack of fundamentals) could keep him off the court forever. He’s not a passer, so he’s not a point guard, but hey, the Cavs have the biggest point guard in the league. They just need shooters.
54. Utah Jazz — SG Josh Richardson, Tennessee
Doesn’t do anything poorly enough to take him off the floor — decent spot-up shooter, good defender — except maybe finish at the basket. He’s a little small for a 3-and-D wing (and his three would need to improve more, especially by getting a quicker release), but he’s got the wingspan to be a plus defender and the quicks to hang with point guards. He’s also 22, so the ceiling’s lower.
55. San Antonio Spurs — PG Guillem Vivez, Spain
Of course, the Spurs aren’t the only team that’s going to draft international players, but it feels right to put one here. Vivez is your classic Euro point guard; he’s great instincts for the position, good penetrator, not a top athlete. He’s bigger than Tony Parker, and his three-pointer is just as inconsistent, but at 21 (and probably not coming over this season), he’s got room to improve there.
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56. New Orleans Pelicans — PF Aaron White, Iowa
Great speed for a power forward, and a developing long-range game (read: not NBA-ready quite yet). He loves to get out on the break, and is a better dunker than you’d think for a White who went to Iowa. He’s an intelligent player who can work well in an uptempo offense — commits quickly to drives, willing and able to pass out of the post — but he’s liable to be pushed around on defense.
57. Denver Nuggets — C Satnam Singh, India
Oh please let Singh’s name get called on Draft Night. Big India should be a crowd favorite wherever he ends up (which will surely be the D-League next season), because he’s huge (a bulky 7-foot-2) and seems to have a pretty legit three-point shot. He’s raw as a red onion (are you warming up to that yet?), but he moves well for his size. He needs to improve his conditioning, and from there, see how well he can leverage his size on defense, where he’s really a mystery.
58. Philadelphia 76ers — SF Daniel Diez, Spain
He’s a hell of an off-ball cutter, and his three-point shot has improved dramatically recently. DraftExpress says he has “an inexplicably short 6-foot-5.5 wingspan,” which, yeah, he’s 6-foot-8. How in hell is that possible? He makes up for his T. Rex arms with good instincts and good game speed, and he’s definitely got the confidence to jack shots up. If he can show his jumper’s here to stay, he’s tall enough for that to be enough to get him to the NBA in a year or two.
59. Atlanta Hawks — SG Shawn Dawson, Israel
Like Diez, his three-pointer has improved dramatically of late, which gives him a shot to be drafted. Son of an American playing pro ball in Israel, Dawson’s got the head and instincts of a good slasher and he looks quick in Israel. It remains to be seen if he can look that quick in the NBA, but either way, he needs to improve as a passer. On defense, he might gun for the league lead in steals, but needs to develop fundamentals to stay with his man.
60. Philadelphia 76ers — PG Nikola Radicevic, Serbia
He’s a 6-foot-5 point guard with the passing instincts to stick in that position, so even though he’s not the fastest, springiest or the best shooter, he’ll be worth a shot. On defense, his size is again his biggest asset. Before he comes across the Atlantic Ocean, he’ll need to improve his jump shot.
(Big thanks to DraftExpress, especially for those international players)